Fire Emblem Seven Minutes in Heaven Zihark

      “Edward wanted a break, so, I'll be running this game for the next few turns. I'm really not sure this is the best idea, but I suppose I shouldn't complain.” Unwilling to move, Lon'qu simply pointed in your general direction. “You can play next. J-just don't get too close.”

“I feel sorry for you Lon'qu. The only reason you were chosen to sub for Edward is because of your phobia.” Walking up front you let out an annoyed sigh. “I really hate it when people are purposely mean to others.” Making sure to keep the barrel between you and Lon'qu, you reached inside and pulled out the first item you found. “Wow, this is really pretty.” In your hands was an elaborate hand mirror. The kind you thought only royalty could afford.

Realizing you had his item, Zihark stood from the cold ground to his feet and offered you a gentle smile. “I suppose it is a rather nice piece. I would offer it to you, but that particular item holds a bit of sentimental value.”

“Oh that's fine. I don't think I'm supposed to keep the item anyway.” Taking great care, you handed the beautiful mirror back to Zihark. “We should probably head to the tent though. Our conversation is holding everyone else up.” A slight blush added a delicate pink colour to your cheeks the very moment Zihark took your hand.

“You're probably right.” Without another word, Zihark walked with you to the tent and held open the fabric door. “Ladies first.”

“Thank you.” His kindness made it hard for you not to smile like an imbecile. Once the two of you were seated, a strange, awkward silence filled the tent. “Strange how such a small chance in scenery can cause such a significant change in attitude.”

Zihark nodded, trying to get comfortable on the rocky ground. “I agree with you there. I think that might be the whole idea though. But then again, I've never been a part of anything like this before.”

“Neither have I. It's still a fun idea though.” You were trying to send him little hints that you really wouldn't mind playing the game as intended, but Zihark didn't seem to notice. Either that, or he was ignoring you. Deciding you might need to be a little more forward, you closed the distance between the two of you, but still didn't touch him.

Your new plan didn't work any better, he was still oblivious. “You aren't cold are you?”

Far too shy to just come out and tell him what you wanted, you gave up altogether. “No, not exactly.”

A guilty expression swept over Zihark's face, but was quickly replaced by a faux smile. “I'm sorry, I probably should have told you sooner. For reasons better left unsaid, I can't bring myself to fully enjoy this game. You see, I'm a bit of a coward and fear my history will repeat itself.”  Turning his head down and away from you, he attempted to hide the look of pain in his eyes.

“Hey, don't apologize to me.” Not wanting to do anything that might remind him of his past, you kept yourself from hugging him. Opting instead to just hold his hand tightly in yours. “I'm really glad I got to spend my turn with you. I had no idea how nice you were, and now I do. Unlike a lot of others that play this game, I actually feel like gained something from it.”

“You really are sweet.” Giving your hand a gentle squeeze, Zihark managed to smile. “I too am glad I got to spend my turn with you.”

Lon'qu called for the two of you from outside of the tent, disrupting the rather heartwarming moment. “I'm not coming in there to get you, but you're time's up.”

“Time really does go by too fast.” A little reluctant to end the game, Zihark stood to his feet and offered you his hand. “If you don't have any plans after this, I'd love to continue our current conversation elsewhere, just with a different subject.”

You accepted his hand and smiled warmly. “Sounds good to me, but we had better get going.” Lon'qu had poked the sharp end of a lance into the tent and was waving it around in an attempt to get you and Zihark to leave. “It looks like Lon'qu's getting a bit impatient with us.”